Today it seems that littering should be a problem of the past. Unfortunately, it is still a big problem in the world. People litter the street for many reasons; for example, because they do not feel responsible for caring for the environment, because they believe that there is another person who will take care of the garbage or because there is already a lot of garbage in an area and they think that one more piece of garbage will not matter. If you are concerned about the garbage problem in your area, you can take steps to encourage people to stop littering so you can take action by establishing garbage collections in the community.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Influencing Friends and Family to Stop Littering
Step 1. Give an example
The best way to discourage people from littering is by setting a good example. Do not throw garbage on the floor, pick up what you see, put it in the bin when you see it and do not throw it (including the cigarette butt) out of your car.
You can also check to make sure all trash cans have a securely fitted lid. An important source of waste is the garbage cans that one leaves to collect them. If the lid is not fastened securely and the bin is tipped over, trash will fly all over the neighborhood
Step 2. Remind people of the environmental consequences of littering
If you see a friend or family member who dumps trash, explain how that piece of trash can have a major environmental impact. Explain how the garbage that you throw on the floor can seem little and; however, how it can fly until it ends up in a stream, river or ocean. Additionally, garbage can affect or even kill many animals that could ingest or become trapped in it.
Try to make people remember that even if they don't see what's going on, the trash they throw on the floor eventually becomes someone else's or animal's problem
Step 3. Don't confront strangers about littering
It can be tempting to walk around and point out that littering is bad; however, you could provoke someone into a physical confrontation if you tell them on a bad day. If you want to do something for the garbage, pick up what others leave and dispose of it yourself.
Step 4. Explain the laws your state may have regarding garbage
Unfortunately some people don't really care about the environmental consequences; however, they are probably interested in spending money. Talking about likely fines and even jail time if caught littering could give that person a reason to put the trash in the right place.
- In the United States, each state has created strict garbage disposal laws. If you are caught dumping garbage, you will probably have to pay a fine that can range from $ 20 to $ 3,000 and you could even spend time in jail depending on the situation. Make sure to warn people that they are breaking the law every time they dump trash.
- On this website you can find out what the penalties are for littering in your state.
Step 5. Remind people that littering costs taxpayer money
Many people don't realize that states often spend millions of tax dollars in order to pick up trash. Explaining that dumping trash on the floor actually costs them money might be enough to encourage some people to stop.
You can find out how much money your state is spending on waste prevention programs by doing an Internet search. For example, use the terms "waste prevention program" and the name of your state
Part 2 of 3: Be an Activist in Your Community
Step 1. Educate children on the importance of properly disposing of garbage
It is particularly important to set a good example for children, who rely heavily on the actions of others to decide what is okay and what is not in order to do so. If you have children or if you are with children, never throw garbage on the floor. If you do, you are showing them that it is acceptable behavior.
- If you are with a child and he sees someone dump trash, give him an example. Pick up the garbage that person threw away and dispose of it in the garbage can. Explain to the child that this is a bad thing to do even if the person has done it and that they should not consider it as an example of what is right.
- Spend time talking with the children you meet about why it is important not to litter. Explain how garbage harms the planet, people, and the animals that live on it.
- If you are a child and you see your parents or another adult relative throw away garbage, don't be afraid to remind them not to do it.
Step 2. Report garbage dumpsters
In many places, you can report people you see littering to the authorities. For example, some municipalities have fines for dumping garbage in clandestine dumps (for example, in ravines or gutters), you can report it using the license plate number, make and model of car or if you know the person by name. There are usually signs with the warning or the phone numbers where you can call to report them.
Do an Internet search for the terms "waste prevention program" and the name of the area where you live to find out if they have any such programs
Step 3. Encourage local business owners to maintain their garbage containers
If you see a garbage container that is outside a business that is overflowing or has a lot of garbage all over the floor, enter the place and ask to speak to the manager. Politely let them know that you saw that they are creating a lot of garbage in the community and that you hope they will take steps to fix the problem as soon as possible. Many business owners will want to maintain a reputation as a community team player; therefore, most homeowners will seek to address the issue immediately, especially if a community member mentions that they saw it.
You might consider coming back a few days later to see if the problem is fixed. If not, consider going in and letting him know that you have seen that he has not fixed the problem and that you will report it to the local authorities if he does not do something about it as soon as possible
Step 4. Push for more garbage cans in town
People will be less likely to dump trash if they have convenient places to dump it. You can contact the mayor of your city or you can go to businesses and ask them to put out a garbage can with a sign asking people not to litter.
Some businesses may be more willing than others to participate in these types of actions. For example, a cafeteria, deli, or restaurant that serves take-out might be happy to do something like this as they produce quite a bit of waste that customers could leave nearby
Part 3 of 3: Host a Community Cleanup Day
Step 1. Choose a day
The first step in organizing a community garbage collection activity is deciding when it will take place. Try to choose a day and time that allows the most people to attend. While it is not possible to predict what the weather will be like on a given day, try looking at the weather forecast and pick a day that is expected to be hot and sunny.
For example, if you choose to do the trash pick-up activity on a weekday at 2:00 p.m. m., don't expect people who work to be able to attend. Instead, a better choice would be on a Saturday or Sunday. If you want to do it during the week, try to choose an evening time before dark
Step 2. Choose a place
You will also need to inform people about where they will collect garbage. Pick a place that you have noticed has a problem with litter, and then limit cleaning to that area. You can also clean up your neighborhood if you want.
If possible, choose an area that has boundaries so that people don't think they are expected to clear an entire forest in one day
Step 3. Limit the amount of time
People will be more likely to attend if you plan the activity for a short period of time. If people think they are going to have to give up an entire day to help out, they probably don't feel like going.
Try to pick a 1-2 hour period during the day and advertise it as your scheduled trash pickup activity. You will always have the option to extend it if people want it; however, this way people will not feel like they have to do a full job on their day off
Step 4. Have supplies
Fortunately, a garbage collection activity does not require many things; however, it is good that you have enough supplies. Make sure to bring large garbage bags to dump in, gloves to protect people's hands, and a place to put the garbage bags for when they finish cleaning.
You can also ask people to bring their own gloves. However, try to have at least one pair of gloves for someone who is not wearing theirs
Step 5. Advertise your event
Make flyers and post them in the community. Be sure to include the day, time, and address where you will meet for the cleanup. If you need people to carry the supplies, be sure to explicitly put it on the flyer.
- Don't forget to invite people directly. For example, visit every house in your neighborhood in order to speak to your neighbors directly. Let them know what you are doing and let them know that you hope they can come and help.
- You should also contact your local news station. In some cases they might be willing to help you publicize your event to people in your community by making a short announcement about what you will be doing.
- Also, inform the schools in your community about the clean-up activity. Many schools require their students to participate in community volunteer events at one time or another; so you could get some students to help you.
Step 6. Consider providing an incentive
This is not completely necessary; however, if it is within your means, having refreshments during the cleanup event might encourage people to attend. For example, you could bring lemonade or ice water for people to drink. You could also bring some snacks. Or you could make enough homemade cookies for all participants to share.
Step 7. Prepare to go it alone
Unfortunately, you may end up unassisted on the day of the event. In this case, just don't give up and don't go home. Go out and pick up the trash yourself. Hopefully in the end you will have some friends or family who will be there to help you; however, even if you do it completely it will only be a good example for others.